NTPC to build 3 hydro-electric projects in J&K at Rs 25000 Cr

JAMMU: The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has received a green signal from Union Ministry of Power to install three mega hydro power projects of 2700 Mega Watt (MW) of worth Rs 25000 crore in newly created Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir with an objective to boost power sector and to tap identified hydro power potential.

These three projects include Sawalkote (1750 MW), Kirthai (930 MW) and Ganderbal (93 MW).

“These projects were proposed a few years back but failed to take off due to apathetic attitude adopted by the authorities,” sources said.

Sawalkote is the largest hydro-project in the Valley and had been cleared by the environment ministry’s Expert Appraisal Committee for River Valley and Hydroelectric Projects in 2018.

Similarly, Kirthai also received Environmental clearance in year 2017 while 93-MW Ganderbal Hydropower Project announced almost two decades ago failed to start due to administrative hurdles.

“After the clearance of Union Ministry of Power, now negotiations are going with J&K administration. The projects will be installed in joint venture with the J&K administration and the funding ration be 74:26,” the sources said.

“However, the negotiations have halted after the administration of Union Territory of J&K demanded special package for the purpose. Once the Union government approves the special package, the construction work will be started,” they revealed.

Pertinently, India’s power minister Raj Kumar Singh had visited Srinagar in month of September and discussion in this regard.

Also, the Centre plans to fully utilize its share of water under the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960. Building hydropower projects on rivers originating in China and Pakistan is part of India’s strategy to establish its prior-use claim over the waters.

Chief Secretary B.V.R. Subrahmanyam and Union home secretary Ajay Bhalla have been regularly meeting to lay the groundwork for developmental projects in the newly-formed Union territories of J&K and Ladakh.

Sources informed that a consensus on these three mega HEPs was a result of at least three meetings between the two.

NHPC is the main supplier of electricity to J&K and the largest investor in the region with 2,339MW under operation, and plans to develop projects totalling 3,814MW on its own and through joint ventures.

It has invested Rs 20,778.38 crore in the erstwhile state and has been supplying electricity to J&K despite unpaid dues.